Too many fishermen spoiling the stream

Montana State Roundup

Montana's streams are filled with troutand fishermen, a
bone of contention to many sports-minded residents.

The popularity of the state's trout fishing has increased dramatically
over the past few years. For example, from 1989 to 1999 the total
number of Beaverhead River "angler days," that is the total number
of days spent on the river by all anglers, nearly doubled to 34,000.

The Montana Fish and Game Commission has proposed several commercial-free
zones on two of the state's busiest rivers to give residents a leg
up on accessibility to their favorite fishing spots. In addition,
the commission proposed a weekly Citizen's Day during the peak seasons,
which would close stretches of rivers to out-of-staters on Saturdays
in summer and fall. Fishing outfitters don't dispute the need to
limit the number of fishermen, but believe the numbers should be
split between residents and nonresidents.